Are we correctly using the inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and cytoprotective drugs? Results of a multicentre study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate indications and frequency of prescriptions of pH-modifying and cytoprotective drugs in hospital departments.


METHODS
Multicentre cohort transverse relevation.


METHODS
On a randomly selected day the clinical charts of 3685 inpatients were reviewed by a gastroenterologist and data were collected concerning the drug used, its dosage and indications for the prescription.


RESULTS
26.8% of hospitalized patients were under treatment on the day of the study. Ranitidine was the most frequently prescribed (73.9%). The purpose of treatment was cure of acute disease or symptoms in 27% of cases and prevention of peptic damage in 73%. Fear of development of stress mucosal lesions (28%) and therapy with other drugs (56%) motivated prophylactic treatment in the majority of cases. The examination of clinical charts failed to demonstrate any need for treatment in 51.4% of the patients. Disparities in the frequency of prescription between different departments and hospitals were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Criteria used for prescription of drugs for peptic diseases in hospitalized patients should be strictly monitored to avoid excessive and unmotivated use also in general practice.
Gullotta
R
R
GI Unit, Varese Hospital, Italy.
Ferraris
L
L
Cortelezzi
C
C
Minoli
G
G
Prada
A
A
Comin
U
U
Rocca
F
F
Ferrara
A
A
Curzio
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D013392:Sucralfate; D011899:Ranitidine; D009853:Omeprazole